Health Violations Found CO 1 HEALTH VIOLATION

City of Fountain

EPA ID: CO0121275 · 25,130 people served · 5 ZIP codes

Five years tracked: City of Fountain had 13 violations, all cleared, 25,130 served.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

C · 64
Avg Safety Score
25,130
People Served
5
ZIP Codes Served
13
Violations (5yr)
Surface Water
Water Source
0.0044 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 1
Radon Risk · High
9
Contaminants Flagged
$377K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Compliance Trajectory

Worsening · Risk tier: High · 95% chance of violation in next 12 months

Violations went from 6 (2025) to 1 (2026). The pattern suggests growing compliance challenges.

Service Area Map

Coverage area for City of Fountain Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade C

Service Area Demographics

$85,121
Median Household Income
151,656
Service Area Population
25%
Disadvantaged Population
40th
Poverty Percentile
30th
Energy Burden Percentile
45%
Pre-1986 Housing

The City of Fountain serves a community with a median household income of $85,121 and an estimated 151,656 residents across its service area. Approximately 45% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Surface Water

City of Fountain's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
60th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
10th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 1% of homes in El Paso County, Colorado rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Wastewater Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 60th percentile nationally for proximity to wastewater discharge points. Surface water sources near wastewater outfalls may face additional treatment challenges.

Infrastructure Risk

38 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Copper
Pipe Material
31 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Moderate Wear
Decay Status
Installed 55% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How City of Fountain compares to EPA limits

What This Means For You

Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 3 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Lead and Copper Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Revised Total Coliform Rule at 2 presence exceeds the EPA maximum of presence.

Stage 1 DBP Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

E. coli at 1 Zero tolerance (any positive sample triggers immediate action) exceeds the EPA maximum of Zero tolerance (any positive sample triggers immediate action). Severe GI illness; potentially fatal kidney failure in children. Consider UV disinfection (99.99%) filtration.

PFAS Detected in Service Area

PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 28 detections recorded. 9 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS).

State limits: PFOA: 0.07 ppt, PFOS: 0.07 ppt
Health concern: PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental effects. They do not break down naturally.
Recommended filter: Reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters certified for PFAS removal. Find the right filter →

E. coli was detected in this water system. UV disinfection (99.99%) filtration can reduce exposure.

Find a certified water filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in Colorado

Johnstown Town of
24,725 people
C 6 violations
D 8 violations
City of Grand Junction
26,000 people
0 violations
0 violations
Windsor Town of
23,500 people
C 6 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Flood Insurance Radon Mitigation PFAS Treatment Water Filtration
Flood Insurance $1,200
Radon Mitigation $560
PFAS Treatment $460
Water Filtration $60
Total Estimated Cost $2,280

Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $1,000

Annual per household (CDC est.)

PFAS Exposure — Lifetime Cost $1,000

Per person (emerging research est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$5,165
10 years
$10,330
20 years
$20,660

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $2,280 (one-time) vs. $10,330 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

City of Fountain (EPA ID: CO0121275) is a community water system in Colorado that serves approximately 25,130 people from surface water sources.

This system provides water to 5 ZIP codes across 2 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: C (64/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

1 health-based violation recorded in the past 5 years. All violations have been resolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
July 1, 2025 Stage 1 DBP Rule Monitoring Resolved
June 1, 2025 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 18, 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 11, 2025 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 11, 2025 Contaminant 0600 Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Monitoring Resolved
March 1, 2025 Chlorine residual Health-based Resolved
January 1, 2025 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
January 1, 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2024 E. coli Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2024 Fecal Coliform Monitoring Resolved
March 2, 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
January 1, 2023 Gross Beta Monitoring Resolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting Failure 3 No
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Failure 2 No
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 2 No
Gross Beta Radionuclides 1 No
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 1 No
E. coli Microbiological 1 No
Fecal Coliform Microbiological 1 No
Chlorine residual Disinfectant 1 Yes
Contaminant 0600 Other Violation 1 No

Health Risk Details

Chlorine (Residual Disinfectant) (EPA limit: 4 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level))

Irritation & DBP formation at high levels; protective at normal treatment levels At-risk groups: people with asthma or chemical sensitivities, kidney dialysis patients (water must be dechlorinated).

Removal methods: granular activated carbon (GAC), KDF media filter, carbon block filter. Find the right filter →

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
80817 0.0044 mg/L No N/A

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 1 (High Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Need help with your water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: Service area ZIP codes sourced from EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 (March 2026 release). These ZIPs reflect the actual deployment footprint recorded by CO or modeled from parcel and building-footprint data.

  • 80817 — Fountain
  • 80906 — Colorado Springs
  • 80910 — Colorado Springs
  • 80911 — Colorado Springs
  • 80925 — Colorado Springs

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for City of Fountain (CO0121275) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is City of Fountain water safe to drink?

City of Fountain has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does City of Fountain serve?

City of Fountain serves approximately 25,130 people across 5 ZIP codes in Colorado.

Where does City of Fountain get its water?

The primary water source is surface water.

Contact Your Water Utility

Public-record contact information for the water utility serving this system. Use these channels to request water quality reports, ask about service, or report issues directly.

Phone
719-322-2072
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Contact information from FOUNTAIN CITY OF Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Water Source & Treatment

Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.

Source
Blended (groundwater + surface water)
Combines water from both groundwater and surface sources.
Disinfectant used
Chlorine

Source: FOUNTAIN CITY OF Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.

Treatment regime

How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.

Treatment classification
Standard
Disinfection plus one or more treatment additives — typically corrosion control, pH adjustment, or fluoridation. Standard regime for utilities serving treated municipal water.

Watershed exposure sources reported

Land-use and natural conditions identified in the utility's source-water assessment as potential contamination sources upstream of treatment.

AbovegroundUnderground and Leaking Storage Tank SitesExisting/Abandoned Mine SitesOther FacilitiesCommercial/Industrial/TransportationHigh Intensity ResidentialLow Intensity ResidentialUrban Recreational GrassesRow CropsPasture / HaySeptic systemsRoad Miles

Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from FOUNTAIN CITY OF Consumer Confidence Report.

Treatment intensity is a ZipCheckup-derived classification based on the chemicals and processes the utility reports. Chemicals and contamination sources are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR filing. Routine federal monitoring and contaminant testing shown elsewhere on this page determine whether the water meets safety standards, not the treatment classification.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Detected

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). PFAS compounds were detected below the current state-enforceable MCL.

Samples collected
406
Detections
30
Latest sample
10/6/2025
Highest analyte
PFPeA: 76.7 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFPeA 76.7 ppt
PFHxA 50.8 ppt
PFBA 33.8 ppt

Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.

Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

0
Confirmed Lead
0
Galvanized — Replacement Required
0
Unknown Material
8,513
Confirmed Non-Lead

This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported all required service line types
Latest tap sample on 2025-01-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Population served: 25,130
Reported to Colorado

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

Notable events and violations

This section summarizes events the utility chose to disclose in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report, plus any federal compliance violations the utility recorded against itself. Both lists are utility-authored — ZipCheckup does not audit, judge, or reorder them.

Federal compliance violations on record

These entries are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR violations section. EPA defines four broad violation categories: Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Treatment Technique (TT), Monitoring & Reporting (M&R), and Public Notification (PN).

  • monitoring · Gross Alpha
    2023-01-01
    FAILURE TO MONITOR OR TIMELY REPORT
  • monitoring · Combined Radium
    2023-01-01
    FAILURE TO MONITOR OR TIMELY REPORT
  • monitoring · Combined Uranium
    2023-01-01
    FAILURE TO MONITOR OR TIMELY REPORT

Violations record from FOUNTAIN CITY OF Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup note: items above reflect what the utility published in its most recent CCR. Federal violation records are also tracked separately by the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) — the SDWIS record is the authoritative federal source for any specific regulatory action.

How Water Systems Appear in Rankings

Water systems are evaluated by violation history, contaminant detections, and service population. Larger systems with more service connections appear in more rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from City of Fountain safe to drink?
City of Fountain has a C safety grade based on 13 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in City of Fountain's water?
Detected contaminants include Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Stage 1 DBP Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 5 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does City of Fountain serve?
City of Fountain serves approximately 25,130 people with drinking water across 5 ZIP codes.
What is City of Fountain's water source?
City of Fountain draws water from surface water sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in City of Fountain's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.0044 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of City of Fountain's service area?
The City of Fountain service area has a median household income of $85,121. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does City of Fountain get its water?
City of Fountain's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

City of Fountain (EPA ID: CO0121275) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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